The Efficacy of Mental Practice for Motor Skill Enhancement in Singing

Abstract

This document collects and evaluates scientific evidence to support the use of mental practice to enhance motor skills in singing and in teaching singing. It provides detailed information about the various brain regions and processes involved in motor sequencing and how these regions interact with one another to facilitate motor function. This document synthesizes research on mental practice from sports medicine, physical therapy and rehabilitation, surgery, and instrumental music in order to apply similar strategies to vocal-motor functions involved in singing. This document provides exercises for successful mental practice to enhance motor function in all five systems of singing, including respiration, phonation, registration, articulation, and resonance. It also provides exercises for successful mental practice to enhance memory of repertoire and roles, as well as for the development of character and other performance aspects.